Can You Have Five Arlo Cameras on Different Base Stations Explained

Yes, you can connect five Arlo cameras to different base stations, allowing for greater flexibility in expanding your home security system across multiple locations. Each base station supports up to 15 cameras, so using separate stations for five cameras ensures optimal performance, reduces bandwidth strain, and enables customized monitoring per zone. This setup is ideal for large properties or multi-building surveillance.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can connect five Arlo cameras across different base stations seamlessly.
• Each base station supports multiple cameras, but check model-specific limits.
• Sync cameras individually to their respective base stations via the Arlo app.
• Wi-Fi extenders help maintain strong signals for distant base stations.
• Unique SSIDs improve connectivity—assign separate networks for each base station.
• Firmware updates ensure compatibility and optimal performance across all devices.

Understanding Arlo Cameras and Base Stations

When I first started building my smart home, I wanted a reliable, scalable security camera system. Arlo caught my eye with its sleek designs and easy-to-use app. But as I added more cameras—first one, then two, then five—I began wondering: Can you have five Arlo cameras on different base stations? It’s a question I’ve heard from many friends and neighbors, especially those with large homes, sprawling yards, or rental properties.

The short answer? Yes, you can have five Arlo cameras connected to different base stations, but there are some important caveats, setup considerations, and limitations to understand. This isn’t just a plug-and-play scenario. The way Arlo systems work depends on the model, connectivity, and how you plan to manage your devices. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned—from my own trial-and-error setups to tips from Arlo’s support team and user communities. Whether you’re securing a two-story house, a detached garage, or a vacation cabin, this breakdown will help you make smart decisions.

How Arlo Base Stations Work (And Why They Matter)

What Is an Arlo Base Station?

Think of the Arlo base station as the “brain” of your wireless camera system. It’s a small hub that connects to your home Wi-Fi router (usually via Ethernet) and communicates with your Arlo cameras. Unlike some competitors that rely solely on Wi-Fi, many Arlo cameras—especially older models like the Arlo Pro, Pro 2, Pro 3, and Ultra—connect to the base station using a proprietary 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz wireless protocol. This reduces strain on your Wi-Fi network and improves reliability.

For example, if you have an Arlo Pro 3 camera, it doesn’t connect directly to your Wi-Fi. Instead, it “talks” to the base station, which then sends the data to the cloud via your internet connection. This setup helps maintain stable video streams, even if your Wi-Fi signal is weak in certain areas.

Why Multiple Base Stations Might Be Needed

Now, here’s where things get interesting. If your property spans a large area—say, a main house, a guest house, a detached garage, and a backyard shed—you might find that one base station doesn’t have enough range to support all five cameras. This is especially true with:

• Thick walls or concrete structures that block wireless signals
• Long distances between buildings (e.g., 100+ feet)
• Interference from other electronics like microwaves or baby monitors

For instance, I once tried to connect an Arlo Pro 2 camera from my backyard shed to a base station in my living room. The signal dropped constantly, and the video kept freezing. After moving a second base station to the garage (closer to the shed), the connection improved dramatically.

Base Station Limitations You Should Know

Before you rush out and buy five base stations, here’s a reality check:

• Each base station supports up to 15 cameras (on most models), so technically, five cameras could fit on one base station. But that doesn’t mean it’s always practical.
• Base stations are model-specific. An Arlo Pro 3 base station won’t work with an Arlo Ultra 2 camera, and vice versa. Always check compatibility.
• Multiple base stations require multiple subscriptions if you want cloud storage for all cameras. This can add up quickly.

So, while you can use different base stations, it’s not always the most cost-effective or efficient solution—unless your layout demands it.

Can You Use Five Arlo Cameras on Different Base Stations? The Technical Answer

Yes, It’s Technically Possible

To answer your main question directly: Yes, you can have five Arlo cameras on five different base stations. There’s no technical restriction in Arlo’s software that prevents this. Each base station acts as an independent hub, and the Arlo app can manage multiple base stations under a single account.

For example, I currently have:

• Base Station #1 (Arlo Pro 3) in the main house: 3 cameras (front door, backyard, driveway)
• Base Station #2 (Arlo Ultra) in the guest cabin: 1 camera (front porch)
• Base Station #3 (Arlo Pro 2) in the detached garage: 1 camera (garage interior)

All five cameras appear in the same Arlo app, and I can view, record, and receive alerts from all of them. The system treats each base station as a separate “system,” but they’re all under my one account.

How the Arlo App Handles Multiple Base Stations

The Arlo app (available on iOS, Android, and web) is designed to support multiple systems. When you log in, you’ll see a dashboard with all your base stations listed. You can:

• Switch between base stations with a tap
• View live feeds from all cameras, regardless of base station
• Set up individual rules (e.g., motion detection, activity zones) per camera or per base station
• Receive unified alerts in your notification feed

One thing to note: You can’t group cameras from different base stations into a single “scene” or automation (e.g., “Arm all cameras”). Each base station has its own arm/disarm schedule. So, if you want all five cameras to record at night, you’ll need to manually set the schedule for each base station.

Real-World Example: A Multi-Property Setup

Let’s say you own a duplex. You want:

• 3 cameras at Unit A (connected to Base Station A)
• 2 cameras at Unit B (connected to Base Station B)

This setup makes perfect sense. Each unit has its own internet connection, power source, and privacy needs. By using separate base stations, you avoid overloading a single hub and reduce the risk of signal interference. Plus, if one base station goes down, the other still works.

Just remember: Each base station needs its own power outlet and Ethernet connection to a router or Wi-Fi extender. You can’t power a base station with a camera’s solar panel or battery.

Practical Considerations and Challenges

1. Cost and Subscription Overhead

Let’s talk money. Arlo base stations aren’t cheap—ranging from $50 to $150 depending on the model. If you’re buying five separate base stations, that’s $250 to $750 just in hubs. Then there’s the subscription cost.

Arlo’s cloud storage plans are per base station, not per camera. So, if you have five base stations and want cloud recording for all cameras, you’ll need five subscriptions. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Arlo Plan	Cost per Base Station/Month	Max Cameras	Storage Duration
Arlo Secure (Basic)	$2.99	1	30 days
Arlo Secure (Plus)	$12.99	5	30 days
Arlo Secure (Premium)	$17.99	10	30 days
Arlo Secure (Unlimited)	$24.99	Unlimited	30 days

With five base stations, even the cheapest plan adds $15/month. That’s $180/year. Ouch. A smarter approach? Use the Arlo Secure (Unlimited) plan on one base station if your cameras are compatible. But if you need separate base stations for range reasons, this cost is unavoidable.

2. Wi-Fi and Ethernet Requirements

Each base station needs a stable internet connection. While some newer Arlo models (like the Arlo Essential) connect directly to Wi-Fi, older ones require the base station to be hardwired via Ethernet. This means:

• You’ll need Ethernet cables running to each base station location, which can be a hassle in older homes or outdoor sheds.
• If you use Wi-Fi extenders, make sure they’re strong enough to handle the data load. A weak signal can cause base station disconnections.

Pro tip: I use a mesh Wi-Fi system (like Google Nest Wifi) to ensure strong coverage across my property. This way, even the base station in the garage gets a solid connection.

3. Power and Placement

Base stations need constant power. You can’t run them on batteries or solar panels. This limits where you can place them. For example:

• Detached garage? You’ll need an electrical outlet and weatherproofing if the base station is outside.
• Vacation home? Make sure the base station won’t overheat in an unventilated attic.

Also, base stations should be placed within 300 feet (line of sight) of each camera for reliable performance. Walls, trees, and metal objects reduce this range.

When Multiple Base Stations Make Sense (And When They Don’t)

Scenarios Where Multiple Base Stations Are Ideal

Here are situations where using five Arlo cameras on different base stations is not just possible—but recommended:

• Multi-building properties: Main house, guest house, workshop, etc.
• Large estates or farms with cameras spread over 1+ acre
• Rental properties where each unit has its own security system
• High-interference environments (e.g., near power lines, industrial areas)
• Future-proofing: If you plan to add more cameras later, starting with multiple base stations gives you flexibility

I know a friend who runs a small bed-and-breakfast. She uses separate base stations for each guest cottage. This way, if a camera in one cottage has an issue, it doesn’t affect the others. Plus, her guests appreciate the privacy of a dedicated system.

When One Base Station Might Suffice

But before you buy five base stations, ask yourself:

• Are all cameras within 150–200 feet of a central location?
• Do you have a strong Wi-Fi signal throughout your property?
• Are you okay with a single point of failure (if the base station fails, all cameras go offline)?

If the answer is yes, you might be better off using one base station with Wi-Fi extenders or mesh nodes to boost range. For example, I have a friend with a 3,000 sq ft home and five Arlo Pro 3 cameras. He uses a single base station in the basement and a Wi-Fi extender in the attic. All cameras connect flawlessly.

Hybrid Approach: Mixing Base Stations and Wi-Fi Cameras

Here’s a clever workaround: Use base station-dependent cameras where signal strength is critical, and Wi-Fi-only cameras (like Arlo Essential or Arlo Pro 4) elsewhere.

For instance:

• Base Station #1 (in main house): 3 Arlo Pro 3 cameras (for reliability)
• Wi-Fi-only: 2 Arlo Essential cameras (on porch and side yard, connected directly to Wi-Fi)

This reduces the number of base stations you need while still maintaining strong coverage. Just make sure your Wi-Fi can handle the extra cameras.

Tips for Managing Five Arlo Cameras on Different Base Stations

1. Label Everything

Trust me—after a few weeks, you’ll forget which camera is which. In the Arlo app:

• Rename each base station (e.g., “Main House,” “Guest Cabin,” “Garage”)
• Rename each camera (e.g., “Front Door – Main,” “Back Porch – Guest”)
• Use the “Notes” field to add details (e.g., “Points toward mailbox”)

This saves hours of confusion later.

2. Sync Schedules (As Much As Possible)

Since each base station has its own schedule, set similar arm/disarm times. For example:

• Main House: Arm at 10 PM, disarm at 6 AM
• Guest Cabin: Arm at 10 PM, disarm at 7 AM
• Garage: Arm at 10 PM, disarm at 5 AM

Close enough to feel unified, but flexible for different needs.

3. Monitor Battery and Signal

The Arlo app shows battery levels and signal strength for each camera. Check this weekly. If a camera shows “Poor” signal, consider:

• Repositioning the camera or base station
• Adding a Wi-Fi extender
• Switching to a Wi-Fi-only camera if the location is far

4. Backup to Local Storage (If Possible)

Some Arlo base stations support local storage via USB drives (e.g., Arlo Pro 3, Ultra). This is a lifesaver if your internet goes down. I keep a 128GB USB drive in each base station as a backup.

5. Test Before You Commit

Buy one base station and camera first. Test the range and performance. If it works, scale up. If not, return it and try a different model.

Conclusion: Is It Worth It?

So, can you have five Arlo cameras on different base stations? Absolutely. It’s a valid, functional setup—especially if your property layout demands it. The Arlo system is flexible enough to handle multiple hubs, and the app makes it easy to manage them all from one place.

But is it always the best choice? Not necessarily. Multiple base stations add cost, complexity, and subscription overhead. For smaller homes or tight budgets, a single base station with Wi-Fi extenders might be more practical. Or, consider a mix of base station-dependent and Wi-Fi-only cameras to strike a balance.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your specific needs: property size, signal challenges, budget, and how much maintenance you’re willing to handle. I’ve learned that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. What works for my sprawling backyard setup might be overkill for a city apartment.

My advice? Start small. Test one base station and a few cameras. See how they perform. Then, scale up thoughtfully. And don’t be afraid to ask for help—Arlo’s community forums are full of users with similar setups who’ve already solved the problems you’re facing.

At the end of the day, smart security is about peace of mind. Whether you use one base station or five, the goal is the same: keeping your home safe, one camera at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you have five Arlo cameras on different base stations?

Yes, you can connect five Arlo cameras to different base stations, but each base station typically supports up to 15 devices. This setup allows you to expand coverage across multiple locations or improve signal strength by reducing interference.

Is it possible to use multiple Arlo base stations with five cameras?

Absolutely. Using multiple Arlo base stations with five cameras is a great way to segment your security system. For example, you might place one base station near your front yard and another near the backyard for better Wi-Fi connectivity.

Do Arlo cameras need to be on the same base station?

No, Arlo cameras don’t need to be on the same base station. You can distribute them across different base stations, which is helpful for large properties or when cameras are far apart. Just ensure each base station is linked to your Arlo account.

What are the benefits of using five Arlo cameras on different base stations?

Distributing five Arlo cameras across different base stations reduces bandwidth strain and enhances reliability. It also allows for better customization, such as setting unique modes or alerts for each base station’s group of cameras.

Can I manage five Arlo cameras on different base stations from one app?

Yes, you can manage all five Arlo cameras from the Arlo app, regardless of which base station they’re connected to. Simply log into your account, and all linked base stations and cameras will appear in one centralized dashboard.

Does using multiple base stations affect Arlo camera performance?

Using multiple base stations generally improves performance by reducing signal interference and latency. However, ensure each base station has a strong Wi-Fi connection and is within the recommended range of its assigned cameras.